People aren’t happy that Zayn Malik is fronting union’s Black History Month

Zayn Malik was chosen as a face of Black History Month by Kent union (Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

A student union has come under fire after naming Zayn Malik and Sadiq Khan as faces of Black History Month.

Kent Union’s president has since apologised after the musician and London mayor were chosen as two of six public figures to represent diversity alongside the likes of Dame Kelly Holmes and Sir Trevor Macdonald.

The decision was slammed by the official Black History Month Twitter account which called it ‘ill-thought’ and ‘misdirected’.

Rory Murray, the union president, apologised yesterday ‘to any individuals who were upset, uncomfortable or offended’ by the image.

‘There was no intent for this to happen and I am very sorry to anybody who felt this way,’ he added, in a lengthy Facebook post.

Rory Murray has since apologised for any harm caused (Picture: University of Kent)

‘At Kent Union we always strive to do the very best and include our members to the full extent on our activities. Whilst we made every effort to include black & minority ethnic students on the planning for the month, clearly, we haven’t got it right on this occasion.

‘For that, I again apologise and will ensure we do better. Debate and discussion are an important part of any healthy university campus. I welcome people’s right to critique the messages put out; it has given us all a chance to reflect and learn more.’

London Mayor Khan, one of the union’s faces, put out a message earlier this month talking about the importance of recognisisng the ‘contributions Black people have made to our country and to London.’

He said: ‘Black History Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the myriad of contributions Black people have made to our country and to London.’